Public schools attracting more students

The latest snapshot of enrolments in ACT schools shows more parents are moving their children back into the public school system.

The ACT has the highest proportion of students in private education at 40 per cent but the latest census shows that trend has been reversed with a slight increase in the percentage of students attending government schools.

The figures show the majority of students in the ACT attend public primary schools but then many move to the private system for high school. About half of students in years seven to 10 attend private schools.

But the public senior college system appears to be attracting more students in years 11 and 12.

Education Minister Joy Burch says it is because of the quality of the public system.

"Parents are choosing good quality education and they can find that in our public schools here in the ACT," she said.

"[Also] when you get into college years you absolutely have got your own voice as a student and as a young person about what school you want to go to."